Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat airbase but lost communication shortly after departure around 7:42 pm.
IAF Sukhoi Su-30 Crash in Karbi Anglong Claims Lives of Two Pilots
Dispur: An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Thursday night, killing two pilots on board. The IAF identified the deceased pilots as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The aircraft was on a routine training mission and crashed shortly after taking off from Jorhat Air Base.
Two Indian Air Force pilots, Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar dies after Su-30 fighter aircraft crashed@IAF_MCC #IndianAirForce #FighterAircraftcrash pic.twitter.com/grP3nvsKSU
— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) March 6, 2026
According to officials, the aircraft took off from Jorhat Air Base and lost contact shortly after takeoff. Air traffic control suddenly lost contact with the aircraft at around 7:42 pm. Following this, the Air Force and local authorities immediately launched a search and rescue operation. The wreckage of the aircraft was later found in a remote area of Assam's Karbi Anglong district.
As soon as the aircraft was reported missing, the Air Force, local police, and disaster relief teams launched a joint search operation. After an extensive search, the crash site was located, but by then both pilots had already died. The Air Force stated that it stands with the families of the martyred pilots in this difficult time and will provide them with all possible assistance.
The Indian Air Force expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the two officers in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The Air Force stated, "All personnel of the Indian Air Force stand with the bereaved families in this sad time and offer their condolences."
IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026
The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a twin-seat long-range multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. In India, the aircraft is manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
This aircraft was first inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1997 and has remained a vital component of the Air Force's strength ever since. The Indian Air Force currently has over 260 Su-30 MKI aircraft in its fleet.
